Brand: Black Diamond
Category: Trekking Poles
Recommended by Dora Lo, Ultrarunner and professional noodles lover — Philadelphia, PA
Highlights: lightweight, durable
The Distance Z Trekking/Running Poles by Black Diamond are expertly designed to enhance your outdoor adventures, offering unmatched stability and support for both trekking and running. Their lightweight construction and innovative folding mechanism make them the perfect companion for any trail enthusiast. 1. Lightweight design at just 1.2 lbs (540 g) per pair, ensuring minimal fatigue during long hikes or runs. 2. Durable aluminum construction provides strength and reliability for rugged terrains. 3. Innovative Z-Pole technology allows for quick and easy setup, collapsing to a compact size for convenient storage. 4. Ergonomic foam grips offer superior comfort and moisture-wicking properties for extended use. 5. Adjustable wrist straps enhance stability and control, accommodating various hand sizes. 6. Versatile tips and baskets included for optimal performance on different surfaces, from rocky trails to soft ground. 7. Foldable design allows for easy transport and storage, fitting seamlessly into backpacks or gear bags. The Distance Z Trekking/Running Poles are ideal for hikers, trail runners, and outdoor enthusiasts seeking enhanced stability and support on varied terrains. They perform best in mountainous or uneven environments, making them perfect for both day hikes and multi-day treks. Suitable for users of all skill levels, these poles excel in challenging conditions, including steep ascents and descents. Their compact design also makes them a great choice for travel, ensuring you can take them along on any seasonal adventure.
Price: $179.95
- Who it's for
- Trail runners and long-distance hikers who prioritize low weight and packability, including those doing ultras or big mountain days. Also suits climbers who need poles on the approach that stow away compactly once on route.
- What people are saying
- Hosts consistently praise the durability and light weight, with multiple noting 5–7 years of hard use with no failures. One host frames them as essentially tied with the red Leki poles at the "lightest-performing" tier, making it a preference call between the two.
- Worth noting
- One host (5'9") confirms 120 cm works well for their height. The magnetic strap system and carbide tips are called out as practical features; carbon construction is noted as genuinely durable for the material.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the Distance Z Trekking/Running Poles for?
Trail runners and long-distance hikers who prioritize low weight and packability, including those doing ultras or big mountain days. Also suits climbers who need poles on the approach that stow away compactly once on route.
What do experts say about the Distance Z Trekking/Running Poles?
Hosts consistently praise the durability and light weight, with multiple noting 5–7 years of hard use with no failures. One host frames them as essentially tied with the red Leki poles at the "lightest-performing" tier, making it a preference call between the two.
What should you know before buying the Distance Z Trekking/Running Poles?
One host (5'9") confirms 120 cm works well for their height. The magnetic strap system and carbide tips are called out as practical features; carbon construction is noted as genuinely durable for the material.
More from Dora Lo's Products I Actually Use
View Dora Lo's expert gear recommendations on Rendezvu
What other hosts are saying
16 experts recommend the Black Diamond Distance Z Trekking/Running Poles.
Kilian Korth, Professional Trail Runner
I'm 5'9" and the 120cm poles work great for me. Light, durable, and easy to use, these practically live in the pole quiver of my running vest.
Recommended in Cocodona 250 Kit + Fuel
John Bruno, Ultra trail-runner, ski mountaineer
Another tried and true classic trail pole. Truly lightweight and very durable for a carbon pole. Carbide tips maintain grip on basically any surface. A great option if you don’t like wearing those Leki gloves.
Recommended in Trail running
Dreama Walton, Trail & Ultrarunner, Coach and Founder of DreamAdventures and Dreama Team Way
I've been using the Z poles for years and I love them. They are light, durable and dependable. I've used them at UTMB to High Lonesome 100 and they sure have handled the demand I put on them!
Recommended in My Trail Running List
Seth Burns, Mountain Guide, Avalanche Forecaster
Light weight poles that can be used on the approach but then disappear in a small climbing pack once on route.
Recommended in North Cascades Alpine Climbing
I've had my pair for 7 years. Everytime I pull them out i think it's surely time for new ones but they've stayed strong.
Recommended in Broken Arrow
Chrissy Goodbody, Bone Surgeon. Dog Mom. Ultrarunner.
Durable and lightweight, easy to store!
Recommended in 10 Products I Actually Use
Jasmine Brown, Road Runner | Hiker| Trail Runner
Best hiking pole for long hikes without added weight. Super light and sturdy.
Recommended in 10 Products I Actually Use
These poles are awesome I have had them for over 7 years no issues!
Recommended in Allegheny Trail FKT Gear/Nutrition
Compact and easy to use. They provide that extra support on those big climbs when the legs are tired
Recommended in 10 Products I Actually Use
Miles Victors, Outdoor Enthusiast and Mountain Athlete
I use the 130cm variant, and they are bullet proof. Also check out the carbon model for a little more weight savings.
Recommended in 10 Products I Actually Use
My go to poles for long days in the mountains
Recommended in Mountain Lakes 100
I have used these poles for 5 years, and use them for every race. The quality is top tier, and they have lasted a very long time.
Recommended in 10 Products I Actually Use
Allen Au, Exceptional Amateur
I think I'm annoyed that at the "lightest possible poles that perform well" tier, there's only this color wave and the red Leki ones. So at this point, choose the one you jive with.
Recommended in 2026 - Trail Season Kit
Troy Meadows, Ultra Runner | Host of the MidPacker Pod | Entrepreneur
What can I say, I'm a BD Pole guy;)
Recommended in My Trail Quiver
these were lifesavers when doing rim to rim to rim at the grand canyon!
Recommended in Ultrarunning Staples
